GETTING  started

I’m planning for a trip and have no idea what to pack.

This is a common packing question and I am about to share my top packing secrets. These tips have helped millions of women transform their packing habits and they will also change the way you think about packing.

If you have no idea where to begin packing, scroll down and review the step-by-step breakdown below.

Before you even think about buying luggage and other travel gear, you need to think about what you plan to bring on this trip. The first step in the process is to research your destination.

One of our goals is to determine the best clothing for every destination. Not one style works for everything. We want to make sure you look stylishly appropriate everywhere you go.

WHAT TO WEAR: Browse through our entire section dedicated to what to wear in specific destinations so you know exactly the type of clothing you need (and don’t need) for your trip. Click here.

PACKING LISTS: Choose one of our packing lists for specific advice on destinations around the world:

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Asia
• Africa
• South Pacific

TFG COMMUNITY: Visit Travel Fashion Girl Facebook Group and post any questions you may have for your trip. It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their best tips on shoes, clothes, and travel tips. It’s free. Join here!

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to learn the art of creating a capsule wardrobe. Without this, you’ll find it challenging to travel carry-on only and stop overpacking.

TRAVEL CAPSULE WARDROBE EXAMPLES: Choose from summer or winter examples featuring six to fifteen items per set. You won’t believe how many outfits you can make with just ten pieces of clothing! Click here.

CREATING A TRAVEL CAPSULE WARDROBE: Find out how to put together a capsule wardrobe that you can rely on time and time again. ​Click here​.

TRAVEL WARDROBE ESSENTIALS E-BOOK: This free guide shows you exactly how to choose the right clothing for travel. Click here. 

TRAVEL CLOTHING CATEGORY: Browse all our travel clothing articles or look for specific clothing sections below:

• Travel Shirts and Tops
• Travel Sweater and Jackets
• Travel Pants
• Travel Dresses
• Travel Accessories
• Travel Underwear
• Swimwear
• Plus Size Travel Clothing

Choosing the right shoes for a trip is challenging but it’s not impossible. The main thing to remember is that comfort is king – you can’t enjoy your trip to the fullest extent if you’re in pain and can’t walk.

Check out our dedicated guide to Choosing the Best Travel Shoes ​as we know how hard it can be to find stylish yet comfortable shoes. Click here

TRAVEL SHOES CATEGORY: We have an entire category dedicated to shoes but here are some of the most popular posts:

• Cute and Comfortable Sightseeing Shoes
• Best Orthopedic Shoes for Women
• Best White Sneakers for Women
• Cute and Comfortable Sandals for Travel
• Waterproof Boots for Rain and Snow
• Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
• Cute and Comfortable Ballet Flats

For useful tips such as downsizing toiletries, choosing the best travel makeup and to get a free printable checklist, check out our complete guide to Packing Toiletries! Click here!

There are six key steps when it comes to downsizing your toiletries properly for a trip:

FIND COMBINATION ITEMS: You can find two-in-one shampoos and conditioners, body cleanser that can double as shave gel, a foldable brush with a mirror attached on the handle, and multi-use makeup products.

PURCHASE EMPTY CONTAINERS: Get various shapes and sizes and DO NOT default to choosing “travel size 100ml or 3oz” options. These are the best travel containers.

STICK TO THE BASICS: Simplify your skincare and pampering routine and bring a capsule makeup collection. It’s only temporary.

OPT FOR SOLID TOILETRIES: Replace liquid beauty products with solids. While solid toiletries may not help you downsize they will help you meet the carryon 3-1-1 liquids rule.

CHOOSE TRAVEL FRIENDLY HAIR TOOLS: These are the best dual voltage travel-friendly hair dryers, flat irons, hair dryer brush and curling iron.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOILETRY BAG: These are the best toiletry bags.

So the hard part’s out of the way; after much turmoil you’ve finally figured out exactly what to wear on your trip – now it’s time to get packing!  

 CHOOSE YOUR LUGGAGE: If you don’t already own a suitcase, make your life easy and choose one wisely with our crash course to Choosing the Best Suitcase. Click here. 

Look for specific luggage recommendations all tried and tested by our readers for:

• Best Suitcase Recommendations
• Lightweight Luggage Under 5lb 
• Best Checked Luggage
• Best International Carryon Suitcases
• Hardside Vs. Softside Luggage
• Best Rolling Duffle Bag

USE PACKING ORGANIZERS: Do you want to know the ultimate tool to travel in a carryon? PACKING CUBES! They changed everything for me and thousands of other travelers. See my packing tutorial on how to use them! Trust me, they are a must!

USE TRIED AND TESTED PACKING STRATEGIES: Watch all my packing videos here!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT SAFETY: Be cautious about where you stash your cash. Keep your valuables safe with these anti-theft products. Read these tips on how to keep your passport safe when you travel!

Whether you’re traveling with a carry-on or a checked bag (or both!), you can still travel with a smaller personal item bag that will store all of your travel accessories and essentials during your flight. 

CHOOSE YOUR PERSONAL ITEM: Picking a personal carry-on item seems easy compared to choosing luggage, but there are factors to consider. Our ​Ultimate Guide​ covers everything you need to know about choosing the right personal item, plus all our top picks!! Click here.

Here are the most popular ones that readers take with them on a plane repeatedly:

• Travel Bags and Backpacks with Trolley Sleeves
• Underseat Luggage
• Weekender Bags
• Totes Bags
• Convertible Purses
• Laptop Bags